ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Arizona State gains just 59 yards of offense in first half vs. Utah

Sep 24, 2022, 9:06 PM

Arizona State interim coach Shaun Aguano stands on the field before the team's NCAA college footbal...

Arizona State interim coach Shaun Aguano stands on the field before the team's NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State’s bid to upset the No. 13 Utah Utes in interim head coach Shaun Aguano’s debut went askew early as the offense was held to just 59 yards in the first half.

They were held to 1-for-5 on third down and only picked up six first downs on its first six drives.

Quarterback Emory Jones was uncomfortable throughout the first quarter as he was sacked three times. He was sacked again in the second quarter, bringing his rushing total down to -30 yards on five attempts through one half.

The team was held to -10 rushing yards on the half.

In the second quarter Jones tossed his first interception of the season.

They found a little bit of life late in the second quarter after the defense picked up a red zone stop to hold Utah to a field goal and 17-0 lead.

A 58-yard kickoff return by Daniyel Ngata gave the offense solid field position and a 19-yard completion to Elijhah Badger put the Sun Devils in field goal range as they were able to get on the scoreboard.

Badger was one of the few bright spots on the offense picking up 36 yards on three catches on the half.

A second Ngata kick return set up another field goal right before the half but the Utes carried a 24-6 lead into the locker rooms.

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